Spring has arrived, and chances are the warmer weather has spurred you to uncover your grill and dust off your patio furniture.   As you are about to increase the use of your deck, now is the perfect time to check for signs of wear.   This is especially true if your deck is made of wood, as opposed to composite decking such as Trex.  Here are four key things to inspect to make sure your deck is safe for use.

1)      First, inspect your deck for any stains to the wood.  These are displeasing to the eye, but more importantly, some stains have the potential to eat through your protective sealant.  When sealant is worn away, the wood is more likely to absorb moisture, and eventually, to rot.  To remove a stain, gently rub it with a soft cloth coated with a mixture of mild detergent and water.  Always make sure to rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning.

2)      Second, look for and remove any loose or protruding nails and screws.   Replace them with new ones adjacent to the existing holes to improve the stability of your deck.

3)      Next, look at the big picture and check the boards themselves for signs of wear and tear.  If you see a split in a piece of wood, that is an indication that it is on its way to breaking. It is important to replace damaged or broken boards, which are especially common in high traffic areas, for the safety of everyone using your deck.

4)      Dry rot to the boards of your deck is always a possibility, regardless of the climate in which you live.  It is typically the result of continued exposure to moisture on untreated decking.  Signs of dry rot include shrinking boards with dark stains, fungal growth, and a damp, musty odor.  If you suspect dry rot, it is important to call in a decking professional who can assess the damage and make recommendations for repair.

The service professionals at Bright Services are happy to assist you with any questions regarding the care and maintenance of your deck.  Give us a call today at 610-522-7494.